Backpacking Scissors (Reviews and Test Results)

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An Introduction to Ultralight Backpacking Scissors!

Backpackers use many kinds of cutting gadgets, including survival knives, multi-tools, and razor blades. For many years, I’ve carried the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Classic, but most of the time, I just use the scissors on that little multi-tool. So why carry the rest of the knife? After asking on BPL, I found several others using "backpacking scissors."

I’ll compare ten pairs of scissors to the Classic, using a baker’s dozen of backpacking-based scenarios and tests. The Classic was tough to beat. But you can save half an ounce (15 grams) by switching to a very familiar pair of scissors with a couple of tradeoffs.

Can you fly with scissors?

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration won’t let you take sharp knives or razor blades onto planes. Some BPL members buy TSA-seized Swiss Army knives by the bucket. Luckily, TSA says you can fly with scissors in checked baggage, as long as they are “sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.” If you carry scissors on board, they must be “less than 4 inches [102 mm] from the pivot point.” However:

The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

If you don’t want to take your chances with a TSA officer, or keep up with frequent rule changes, check or ship your scissors. You can ship securely stowed scissors via FedEx, UPS, or the US Postal Service.

Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Knife

The standard lightweight backpacking multi-tool includes a pair of tiny scissors, a short knife blade, tweezers, and a toothpick. Standalone scissors should be at least as good as the Classic for most backpacking uses, and weigh less, too.

Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Knife with 1 gram Gold Ingot

Credit: Victorinox

At $224 plus tax, I couldn’t afford to test this one! Too bad, it must be 14 times better than the $16 plain Classic, because a gram of gold is almost worthless in the wilderness.

Coghlan’s Folding Scissors

Many companies make scissors like these. I’ve owned various brands since the 1970s.

Fiskars Folding Scissors

Orange-handled Fiskars scissors seem to be everywhere. A BPL member recommended this tiny folding model.

Generic bandage scissors

Bandage scissors can cut tape without damaging your skin, due to a dull, flattened tip on the lower blade. I’ve owned this tiny pair for many years and don’t remember where I got them.

Kotobuki Thread Scissors

Spring scissors appeared about 3,500 years ago in Southwest Asia and spread worldwide. Unlike common scissors, these snippers don’t have a pivot point, relying on your strength for cutting, instead of leverage. Japanese artisans still make the best. This model includes a slim plastic case that weighs 1 gram.

Rescue Essentials Mini Shears

Also known as trauma shears or EMT shears, these scissors can cut through tape, heavy clothing, and even light metal. Like the bandage scissors, they have an extended blunt lower blade that won’t slice into your skin. This was the lightest model I could find online, with a longer grip for easier cutting. These shears may be autoclaved at up to 289 F (143 C), a useful fact embossed into the handle.

Sago Brothers Bonsai Scissors

These pruning snippers are similar to the Kotobuki Thread Scissors, with plastic handles, a lower weight, and a much lower price per pair.

Singer Sewing Kit Scissors

I found this tiny pair of scissors in a travel sewing kit at the local arts and crafts store.

Victorinox SwissCard Scissors

Inside the SwissCard plastic sleeve are removable Swiss Army Knife tools. You can buy just the scissors as a replacement part, which is slightly bigger than the scissors on the Classic, and include a small finger loop. Many BPL members recommended these tiny trimmers.

Westcott Kids Scissors

Scissors for children come in smaller sizes and many colorful designs. Some models include an antimicrobial coating of debatable value. This model has tips blunt enough to carry in a pocket or stuff sack without worry.

Disclosure

The author purchased all the scissors at retail, made all the measurements, and took all the photos, except where noted. Some links to products in this article may go to websites of our affiliate partners. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, we receive a small commission - that greatly helps us maintain this site, pay authors for their time, and create new content! So thank you for supporting BPL and our merchant partners!